Save the Career of that Promising Teacher!

You see the potential in this teacher. How can it be brought to fruition?

The facility with which a teacher manages the classroom affects how s/he is viewed by students, their parents, colleagues, and oneself.  Problems with the management of behavior is the number one reason that teachers leave the field.  It's the number one reason that administration fails to rehire or tenure teachers.  Moreso, it is demoralizing to see the dream of becoming a master teacher, beloved and admired by one's students, remain so far from one's grasp.  

For educators who find themselves in these circumstances, it is both frustrating and emotionally exhausting.  They’re doing their sincere best to direct their charges, but their strategies are inconsistently effective at best.  It is unfortunate that most educational professionals haven’t received adequate training in classroom management and behavior change practices.  They are unaware of the many positive options available to them, and often find themselves resorting to more of what already isn’t working.  They find themselves mired down in the muck of ineffective teaching.

Support has Arrived.

Where does one acquire guidance in how to individualize textbook strategies so that they work effectively with his/her class?  Where can one obtain perceptive follow-up analyses of what went wrong and right in various situations… analyses that help to inform and improve practice?

Long-distance coaching with Dr. Mac is an ideal approach that allows educators (and others who serve children), in the privacy of their own homes, to share personal details and honest feelings, one-on-one, with a non-judgmental, supportive mentor.  Only the knowledgeable and concerned coach becomes aware of what the teacher is experiencing.  Together, teacher and coach create a plan of action to address the situation.

Where does the administrator come in? How can a school be certain that its money is well spent? Though frequent observations, you see this teacher become stronger, more confident, and further advanced in skill level. Identify items on your evaluation form that show a need for improvement. Stop back in two weeks to note the break through!

How is Long-Distance Coaching Done?

Today’s technology allows for a number of avenues to better teaching.  Via phone, video conferencing, and/or e-mail, behavior coaching offers “lifestyle integration” and “distance learning”… non-judgmental support and sage advice at a time and place that is most comfortable and productive for that.  Distance coaching adapts to the educator's personal schedule by offering flexibility of location and moment.  Sessions can be conducted at any convenient time of day or night in the privacy and comfort of his/her home or empty classroom.  A choice of technology channels is available: Web cam conferencing for a “face-to-face” exchange; telephoning and e-mailing for anonymity.  Whatever manner of contact is selected, Dr. Mac assists in the develop and fine-tuning of a positive and effective approach that is individualized to that teacher's situation.

Telephone and real-time online coaching (via text or web cam chat) is ideal for those individuals who lead hectic lifestyles, are geographically isolated, or must remain at home.

Also available is an asynchronous e-mail version of coaching.  It offers comfort for those individuals who have difficulty opening up and talking about their concerns in the moment.  With the delayed response e-mail option, teachers can set their own pace as they take the needed time to compose their thoughts, reflect upon their responses (and those of Dr. Mac), and respond when they're ready to do so.  Many individuals find that this method of communication allows them to be more reflective, honest, and expressive compared to face-to-face, telephone, or electronic chat conversations.  With the e-mail option, the coach’s response typically arrives within 12-24 hours, yet the educator can take the time necessary for more measured and thoughtful responses.  E-mailing is an excellent way to review session topics, insights, and assignments. 

There are some novel variations on coaching that might work well with your promising faculty member:

A computer camera is set up in the teacher's room. Dr. Mac observes your lesson and:

1. Talks to the teacher in real-time, while s/he teaches, through a phone connection to an ear-piece. Dr. Mac suggests what to do at any moment to address a misbehavior, enhance a lesson, or otherwise direct the classroom proficiently.

2. Provides feedback at a later time, pointing out the things you did well, and identifying areas in which you can improve your skills. Guidance is provided and goals are set.

"Hope. This was the gift given to me when I asked for personal coaching in behavior management from Tom McIntyre. Most all information I had previously read on behavior management focused on starting the year right. Nine months is a long time to struggle when you’ve started a year with several challenging students off wrong. I limped along in the year as best I could, but became more and more discouraged. I had lost my way, my joy in teaching, and feared that I had also lost the students I was supposed to be teaching.

Dr. Mac’s responses were so positive, encouraging, and comprehensive that I was able to see there was hope. He and his team helped me to reframe issues that I previously believed I was not up to handling. He pointed out what I was doing correctly and only needed to strengthen, and he pointed me in new directions when that too was needed. The wealth of information given to me at a very reasonable price and the friendly and encouraging tone from Dr. Mac helped to restore my confidence. Finally, I had the direction, the frame of mind, and the language needed for me to not just survive, but to continue the journey of education with my students.

I am incredibly grateful for their support. I know that I can reach them at any time I need additional ideas, and I truly believe they care about my success with my students. Every day I reread the words of encouragement and frequently revisit the suggested sites of management practices to continue my study towards becoming a masterful teacher. I am back on the path with hope and joy in my heart."

What Can the Teacher Expect During a Coaching Session?

“Coaching” is gaining popularity as increasing numbers of people recognize the benefits of a guided mentoring relationship in attaining personal and professional goals. Just as someone aligns with a tennis coach to improve his/her game or a financial coach to better handle the family money, behavior management coaches are sought out for their expertise in an area that few people are well trained, deeply knowledgeable, and highly skilled.

Coaching sessions involve a two-way sharing process that is non-judgmental, supportive, and information-packed.  Coaching focuses on the present as you move into a brighter future.  It zeros in on the problem, what is causing it, and what to do to change it...  all done in the effort to help your students make better behavior choices…and help you become increasing more competent in instruction and positive behavior management.

Behavior coaching is comprised of a “performance review” and a “training session” between the teacher and the coach… Dr. Mac. It's a process that leads to more effective and positive teaching.

The Goals of Behavior Coaching

The objectives of long-distance behavior coaching are five-fold:

•  Acknowledging and addressing the frustrations associated with teaching when one's skills don't yet match the challenges.

•  Becoming more aware of the profound effect that words and actions – positive or negative – have on student behavior, and the personal esteem and self image of both pupils and teacher.

•  Pinpointing personal and professional strengths and weaknesses in order to create a strength-based plan for improvement in instruction style and/or managing behaviors.

•  Acquiring new strategies that are fine-tuned to the students in in that teacher's classroom.

•  Reflecting upon progress, and making any necessary adjustments to the plan of action.

Does this approach sound right for your faculty member?

If so, contact Dr. Mac at

Doctormac@BehaviorAdvisor.com